Number 9: Increased gang violence prompts action

Dec. 26, 2006 8:44 AM

Written by

Herald Times Reporter

The Herald Times Reporter is counting down the top 15 local stories of 2006, as voted by its editorial staff. Today is No. 9, the increase in gang activity in Manitowoc. See the remainder of the series on our Web site, www.htrnews.com, under Special Sections.

MANITOWOC — An increase in gang violence in Manitowoc this summer prompted police officials to hold a public meeting where they urged residents to report illegal activity.

Manitowoc Police Sgt. Jason Freiboth, a member of the city's gang task force, said police recorded about 30 incidents of gang activity from April to October.

On June 18, known gang members attacked a juvenile at Silver Creek Park, beating the youth with sticks and kicking him.

On July 1, three known gang members beat a man in the 900 block of South 37th Street.

On Aug. 16, a fight involving up to 20 people occurred in the 1500 block of South 16th Street. One man was taken to a Green Bay hospital after being struck in the neck with a hatchet. Police arrested those involved.

Deputy Police Chief Tony Dick said some of the people in that fight are associated with gangs.

At a public meeting on Oct. 5 at Washington Junior High School, police and representatives from the Manitowoc County district attorney's office stressed the importance of reporting crime. About 200 people attended.

Lt. Paul Schermetzler encouraged residents to be the "eyes and ears of the police department."

Schermetzler also said witnesses can remain anonymous when reporting crimes.

Freiboth said gangs in Manitowoc are diverse. Some are based locally, while others have ties to large, national gangs. Some gangs are formed based on nationality, while others have members of all backgrounds.